This is a well-known challenge. The idea is to play the slowest bow you can, while trying to keep the sound full by playing very near the bridge, and also to keep it perfectly even.
If you are really trying to move the bow as slowly as possible, occasionally your sound will stop or otherwise break. I take this as a sign that I am working right at the edge of my control and therefore I am improving.
It is a never-ending challenge since however brilliant one becomes at it, it can always be even slower (or more full or more perfectly even). This exercise is also an opportunity to be aware of released body use, especially in the neck, shoulders, and bow hand.
I also like this exercise as a way to begin practicing because it allows time to think, to become focused, to become aware of my body, my sound, my instrument, and more. After some intense work in this way, I am noticing fine detail, and the most important factor impacting productivity of practice at any time is not what you are doing, but what you are aware of. This exercise helps stretch and focus my awareness before I proceed to other things.
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